Respectfully, it says in plain English in the link that you provided that it was last updated "4/15" for the Boreas Tract. There's nothing in the updated link that says "no bikes".

I'm sure you're a good guy, no ill wishes here.

But to be absolutely clear, the link I posted was updated today. Otherwise known as July 7, 2016 A.D. No bikes allowed. Clear, unambiguous, easy to understand. The link you posted never mentions the word bike at all. You're imagining loopholes where none exist.

But to be absolutely clear, the link I posted was updated today. Otherwise known as July 7, 2016 A.D. No bikes allowed. Clear, unambiguous, easy to understand. The link you posted never mentions the word bike at all. You're imagining loopholes where none exist.

Got it, thanks again.
Clearly the DEC is not the best at updating or being crystal clear with notifications posted on their website, and as I mentioned at the end of page 1, it's probably best to call and ask if in doubt. If I get the chance to call tomorrow during their office hours I will do that, just to clear up our confusion.
Best regards.
- Justin

I have no plans to ride in the area, but I sent Region 5 the following email just now, because I agree that the overall guidance from DEC is a bit vague:

"Hi,

I have seen discussions on line of bicycle use on Gulf Brook Road, riding to Boreas Ponds. I have no plans to ride in the area, but people are curious as to whether this notice from April is still current:

Boreas Ponds Tract
•While DEC develops an interim recreation plan, access to the tract will be limited to foot traffic only beyond the closed gate. Motor vehicles, bikes and horses are prohibited. (4/15)

or whether it is superseded by this notice (on a different page) from May, which suggests that as a "non-motorized means" bicycles would be allowed:

May 2016: Governor Cuomo announced that the 20,758-acre purchase of the Boreas Ponds Tract caps acquisition of 69,000 acres of lands from The Nature Conservancy. DEC is in the process of developing interim plans to provide trails, parking lots and waterway access sites for public use in the summer. With this announcement, the public may access and recreate on the lands and waters by non-motorized means only while a full management plan is developed.

FWIW – I met a DEC officer recently who indicated that there is doubt as to the enforceability of a no-bike policy currently as the land is not yet classified is such a way that prohibits it (such as Wilderness or Primitive). If you want to bike it, now is the time as it might be prohibited and enforceable someday.

FWIW (2) – I did recently bike 12 miles of dirt roads in the Essex Chain area. Frankly, it’s not that interesting unless you get to a specific scenic location such as one of the ponds or big river. That area too, was supposedly off limits to bikes upon NY State ownership (but really wasn’t officially), then later officially banned I believe, now allowed. Essex is a worthy (but small) paddling destination that gets much more day use than overnights – partially due to the ban on fires on the waterfront campsites. You can easily paddle the whole chain in a day trip. If I go there again it will be to paddle, or ski.

I received a definitive reply from DEC Region 5 spokesperson David Winchell::

"DEC’s position regarding use of Gulf Brook Road is the statement on our website: “access to the tract will be limited to foot traffic only beyond the closed gate. Motor vehicles, bikes and horses are prohibited.”

The press release was an announcement of the purchase and did not provide all the details of the usage.

Probably nothing posted explicitly forbidding mountain boards either or hovercraft, soap-box derby cars, wheeled sofas, and other rolling stock. None of 'em are "public motor vehicles" with the exception of the hovercraft but you can claim you're barely touching the ground.

Probably nothing posted explicitly forbidding mountain boards either or hovercraft, soap-box derby cars, wheeled sofas, and other rolling stock. None of 'em are "public motor vehicles" with the exception of the hovercraft but you can claim you're barely touching the ground.

/sarcasm

If I pull a couch in with a canoe cart to camp and pull it out is it OK?

Even though the dirt road beyond the second gate is markedly better than the 3 miles and change before the gate, I would take a mountain bike. Full knobby tires or at least fatter tires will make for a much more comfortable ride in.
Plenty of water, a camera and a polarizing filter are a must, as well...
Enjoy the trip.

The only bike I have is a '70s vintage road bike. Should I forget about using that? I have hiked and skied the entire road (the inner parking area had not been created yet).

You would be a lot more comfy on something with wide tires. If your tires are 2" wide or so you'll be fine...otherwise I would say borrow a mountain bike from someone. Not to say it can't be ridden on skinny tires, but why struggle and plow furrows when you can float?

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